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The numerous scholars have not come to an agreement on the matter so why should we?

Because the only opinion that matters is the Supreme Court's, and they ruled that secession as practiced by the Southern states is not constitutional.

I do think the founding fathers would have a great respect for state sovereignty and that freely joined states would also be free to leave. Without conceding that federal property within the state could just carted off or that legitimate costs and obligations should not be met.

Except that with the exception of the original 13 states, the other states didn't 'freely join' anything. They were admitted, and only with the approval of the other states. But I believe that the Founding Fathers would have agreed that states were free to leave, but only after negotiating all matters of disagreement before leaving. That is the only way to have a peaceful separation, something that I have to believe the Founding Fathers would have preferred.

Hostile intentions ? I would not put it like that. The Confederate government knew damn well that firing on Fort Sumter was an act of war.

Then they were planning their war well in advance. The call for 75,000 troops was long before they fired on Sumter.

So odds are they figured Lincoln would respond by calling for troops. Troops that would be marching south. Seems it would be logical for Davis to call up troops.

Yes, if Davis was set on war. And you're seeming to agree that he did.

Again. I do not agree they were traitors.

We will have to agree to disagree.

P.S. If you are interested in Civil War history

Am I interested in Civil War history???? I would think it obvious, I am fascinated by the Civil War. I have over 200 books devoted to the war. I would certainly be interested in your relative's book. So if you could provide the details I will see if I can find it, either in print or online.